President of the Nigeria Football Federation , Amaju Pinnick , on Monday described the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium , Benin as “ world- class” ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and Sierra – Leone on November 13 .
Pinnick stated this after inspecting facilities at the stadium , venue of the AFCON qualifier , in company of the Deputy Governor of the state , Philip Shaibu .
“ This is a tremendous improvement from the last time I came . This is like what you see in other climes , so I ’ m very impressed with what I saw , ” Pinnick said .
“ I commend the governor and his team , especially the deputy governor , for ensuring that we have this world – class facility that we are proud of . ”
On the Eagles versus the Leone Stars clash , Pinnick added , “ We will quietly beat them home and away. We have arranged for a chartered flight that will take them (Eagles ) to Sierra Leone after the game .
“ We are also going to bring in the Super Falcons , the most successful team in Africa because this is their home . ”
He said letters had been sent to the sports ministry, the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 and CAF to allow half of the capacity of the stadium for the tie .
Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu said the state was happy to host the game .
Shaibu stated , “ We are excited that we will be having the first international football match here in the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and that was what it was intended to achieve .
“ We followed international standards when we were rebuilding the stadium and we were in touch with the NFF to guide us with the FIFA regulations , so what you have here today is an international stadium .
